Ambati Rayudu said Shreyas Iyer is unlikely to be too bothered about his T20 rhythm ahead of the Punjab Kings’ opener against Gujarat Titans in Mullanpur on Tuesday. Shreyas has not played a single T20 since last year’s IPL final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Rayudu said the lack of recent T20 cricket should not be a major problem, encouraging the experienced batter to adapt quickly. While admitting that Mullanpur could pose a challenge with Shreyas managing just 27 runs in five matches on the pitch, Rayudu felt the added responsibility of captaincy would give him extra motivation and help him settle.
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“Generally if it was anyone else I would say it could be a big challenge. But he is an experienced player and a seasoned fighter so I don’t think it should matter that much. He would have played a lot of practice matches and for someone of his experience it’s all about mental conditioning. So I don’t think it will be a challenge,” Rayudu told ESPNcricinfo.
“That said, the ground in Mullanpur could be a test because he didn’t really do well there. But I think leading the party always gives you extra motivation, so I don’t see it as a problem for him,” said Rayudu.
“Number 3 perfect for Shreyas Iyer”
Rayudu also said Shreyas should bat at No.3 for PBKS and back him to control the innings once they are set. He added that the Punjab batsman’s ability to bat deep and lead others makes him ideal for the role and sets the tone.
“I think he should bat at No.3 because he is the type of batsman who, once he gets going, can really control the game. He can take the other batsmen with him and bat deep, even into the 15th or 16th over, which allows him to set the tone for Punjab.”
“I feel No.3 is the ideal position for him and with the coach himself being a former No.3 devotee, he would probably want his captain to bat there as well,” Rayudu added.
Shreyas has been outstanding in IPL 2025, scoring 604 runs in 17 matches at an average of 50.33 and a staggering strike rate of 175.07. He smashed six fifties, hit 43 fours and 39 sixes and played a key role in PBKS’s run to the final.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
31 March 2026 14:22 IST
